Choppy gait, gaping jaw, and bulging muscles on the underside of the neck: As riders and handlers, we all recognize the signs of tension in our horses, but not everyone understands how to help their horses soften and relax...
We riders are bright creatures. We memorize long courses, process multi-part instructions, and generally do the whole patting-your-head-and-rubbing-your-stomach routine from the back of a thousand-pound animal with a mind of its own.Except when we can’t. Occasionally, your mental computer...
Showmanship at halter is a class that showcases the harmony between a horse and his exhibitor, and the showmanship pivot is a key point in your performance. It’s a maneuver that requires precision and cooperation as you guide the...
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of horse ownership, but the reality is that being a horse owner isn’t compatible with every life situation. Fortunately, there are other ways to get plenty of quality horse time....
Despite the fact that I regularly act like a goofball, for all intents and purposes, I’m an adult. And when I have a riding lesson, I usually lesson with one or two other adults.A few months ago my...
Note: This is day 28 of my 30-day blogging challenge. What the heck is a 30-day blogging challenge? Read about it here.I have a theory about getting older in the world of riding lesson stables, and I’m wondering if...
With each vaulting lesson I take, my fears subside and my confidence grows. I've graduated from a stout Haflinger named Cheyenne to a much taller (probably 15.1 or so) Quarter Horse named Leo. The intense workout program I've been...
It may be tempting to run out and buy a horse the minute you find one, but rein yourself in and put the checkbook away for now. It’s a good idea to start your riding career at a reputable...
For my second vaulting lesson, I left the stationary barrel behind and moved on to the real deal--an adorable, plump little Haflinger.After jogging up and down the barn aisle several times to warm up, I donned my old ballet...
I've decided to embark on a new journey in my equestrian life: taking vaulting lessons. If you're not quite sure what vaulting is, it's basically performing gymnastic maneuvers on the back of a cantering horse (eek!). I'm hoping that...
